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My New TNT – The Grainline Linden Sweatshirt

I have a problem. I never have the foresight to sew for the season ahead; instead, I sew for the season I’m currently in or wish I was experiencing.

This winter, I knew I needed to up my warm handmade wardrobe since most of what I’ve made works better for summer. So far I made a warm cardigan, a long-sleeved work shirt, 2 faux fur vests, a sweatshirt, and…. hmm… well, I thought there was more! I guess that’s not bad considering winter in the desert lasts about 3-4 months.

I had a good experience sewing the Grainline Linden Sweatshirt and wear it every week. It’s comfy without being sloppy. I knew the weather would warm up soon, so I hastily made 2 more! This has quickly become a new Tried-N-True pattern for me. 🙂

When I finished this one, the weather was perfect to show it off… but of course I don’t wear my makes until I’ve photographed them for the blog in case I stain or mess it up somehow (it’s happened before and I’ve learned my lesson). Of course now that it’s photographed, the temperature shot up to the high 80’s, hitting 90 F and I want to cry.

I made a size 8 on top, grading to a 10 at the hips… the same as my first Linden. The only thing I changed for this and the next Linden is that I sewed the arm/side seams at 5/8″ instead of the 1/2″ the pattern calls for to get a slimmer fit. I did end up grading to 1/2″ below the waist, though, since I didn’t want it any tighter at my hips.

This is probably my favorite Linden because I love mustard yellow (even though it does nothing for my complexion) and that Dutch print kills me with cuteness. Both fabrics are from GirlCharlee.com and they have the Dutch print in another colorway here. I bought these fabrics a while ago, so unfortunately the exact ones aren’t available on the website anymore. 😦

I had enough of the mustard ponte knit left over from my Ondee pullover and am happy I put it to good use! The ponte is super soft but I found it does pill a little, so be careful while wearing/washing it. I’ve worn the heck out of my Ondee and it’s not pilled bad enough to hide it from the public eye… yet…

I guess I’ll just have to wait until the fall to bust this out again. *Sigh* I guess I’ll have to move on to making summer clothes now!

But of course I wanted to eke out another sweatshirt I couldn’t possibly wear in this heat because that’s how I roll!

Meet St. Paddy’s Day Linden! There is no way I will be able to wear this on March 17th since it will probably be about 93 F by then. *Cries*

This Linden was borne of my desire to make more room in my sewing cabinet and to get rid of this awful polyester sweatshirt fabric I got from Joann’s. I had some left over from that terrible Paxson Sweatshirt I made last year and felt it would do better in smaller quantities.

It worked out pretty well! The green fabric is a ponte from GirlCharlee.com, which is the same fabric as the mustard. So comfy!

Looks like a good pattern. I need some more tees and heavier knits. I sew for the moment on a whim and sometimes try to fit a challenge in there. I never have pants or a dress finished for when I need them! 😅

Haha I’m with you on the never having pants finished when I need them! I procrastinate like crazy on pants. I think I’m going on 3 years that I promise myself I’ll make the Sewaholic Thurlow trousers for work!

So cute! I don’t know which sweatshirt I liked better. Both the yellow and green are great colors. The Dutch print is too cute but I do love plain grey too. Man, you aced it!
I too have no foresight. I want what I want and I want it now. How very Veruca Salt of me. 🙂

I’m a super planner type, so I start sewing for the next season about 2 months ahead of time. Part of this is my desire to work ahead for my blog and part is not wanting to be in a position where I have to buy rtw out of desparate need. I think I have the Linden, I should add it to my sewing list for fall.

I’m glad I’m not the only one who has a superstition against wearing things before they’re photographed! I often have sewed things way out of season. It turns out when you abandon a project and come back to it in a couple of months, you’re way ahead of schedule for next year (I’m eyeing you fringed linen jacket that I started in summer and then sewed in the depths of snow and couldn’t wear until the following spring)!

I really love the yellow–it’s such a sunny color! This looks like a great fit for you too. Grainline’s patterns seem to really work for your body!

Thank you! I’m pretty happy with Grainline so far. The real test will be how the Maritime Shorts fit (once I get off my bum and start a pair).

I wore one of my Scout Tees to work before photographing it, and wouldn’t you know it- I was helping out a customer and held her purse while she was digging out some documents from another bag. It took her a while, so I put her purse on my shoulder and when I gave it back, I realized my shirt and hand were covered in what looked like black ink! I was so angry and it was so hard to get it out of the shirt! It still isn’t 100% out, but you can’t tell from the photos. Sigh. Since then, it’s shoot THEN wear! 😉

Addicted to sewing since the 70’s – Sewing Blogger since 2013 – Enjoying a #RTWFAST and Creator of #DESIGNINDECEMBER since 2015 – Designing Handbags and Accessories and PDF Sewing Patterns for bags and accessories at #LANYOSHANDMADE since 2018 – Lover of vegan, sustainable, repurposed and up-cycled projects – I want to try everything, learn everything and talk about it with you!